Diary of a Player - by Brad Paisley & David Wild (Paperback)

About the Book

Country music star Paisley salutes others in the music world in this funny, personal, and fascinating portrait of country's leading guitar hero. Focusing on how he found his voice through a series of guitars, this book shares what Paisley has learned about life along the way.

Book Synopsis

A candid country music memoir from superstar guitarist and songwriter Brad Paisley, this personal and humorous account traces his journey from small-town West Virginia to becoming one of Nashville's most celebrated performers.

Long before CMA Awards and sold-out arenas, Brad Paisley was an eight-year-old boy handed a Sears Danelectro guitar by his beloved grandfather, Warren Jarvis. That Christmas gift became more than an instrument--it became an identity. In Diary of a Player, Paisley reflects on the relationship that shaped him, the mentors who guided him, and the relentless passion that drove him from local stages to the top of country music.

With warmth and wit, Paisley recounts the highs and lows of life in the music industry: songwriting breakthroughs, career-defining performances, backstage moments with fellow artists, and the discipline required to master his craft. Through it all, the guitar remains his constant companion--equal parts refuge, creative outlet, and lifeline.

Blending humor, heartfelt tribute, and behind-the-scenes insight into the Nashville music scene, this memoir offers fans an intimate portrait of a country music star who built his career one string at a time.

Review Quotes

"Brad Paisley knows a thing or two about writing hooks for general music fans while still throwing in enough guitar pyrotechnics to keep his guitar-playing audience happy, if not slightly stunned."

"Country singer Brad Paisley is known as a man of many guitars, but none of these collectibles is as dear to him as the mail order Sears Danelectro Silvertone his grandfather bought him when he was eight. It is memories like this that make this autobiography such a vivid, personal document. By recalling the instruments that gave him a voice and a career, Paisley presents a far more intimate self-portrait than those rendered by fame-driven musicians. As he writes, 'There are some people who drink, who seek counseling, eat, or watch TV, cry, sleep, and so on. I play.' A memorable, amenable memoir."

"In his first book, Grammy Award-winning country star Paisley pays tribute to the legendary musicians who helped him along the way. Any guitar aficionado will love this tale of extraordinary musicians gladly guiding a talented youngster--a journey that began at the tender age of eight when Paisley's grandfather gave him his first guitar. With the collaboration of Wild, who is steeped in the country music scene, Paisley offers a story accessible even to country novices...Paisley certainly entertains in this charming story of his road to success."

"Paisley and Wild write in an easygoing, personal style that suggests the experience of actually sitting down with the musician and hearing him describe his life in music and the lessons he's learned. Verdict: A must-read for any fan of Paisley, this book really tells readers what makes him tick. Highly recommended for all country fans."

About the Author

At age twelve, Brad Paisley wrote his first song, "Born on Christmas Day," and today he boasts sixteen #1 hits. Brad's latest album, American Saturday Night, was proclaimed by Newsweek as The Album of the Year. He has multiple Grammys, CMA, and ACM awards. Brad is married to actress Kimberly Williams Paisley and is the father of Huck and Jasper. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

As a graduate of Cornell University, David Wild is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on America: A Tribute to Heroes, a televised telethon held in the wake of 9/11.